Conflicting size info — flagged for review
- Historic/renowned: largest rainbows worldwide, to ~16 kg / 35 lb .
- Recent (2023, DNA-confirmed): Gerrards have shrunk to sizes typical of other BC lakes — predators outstripped their Kokanee prey . Both kept per vault rules; treat ~35 lb as the historical ceiling, not today's average.
Key points
- Origin: native to the West Kootenay .
- Forage-driven: boom/bust tracks the Kokanee base the Nutrient Restoration Program sustains ; current abundance has overshot kokanee supply .
- Trolling tactics: speed 3–7 kph; rainbows near-surface autumn→late spring, deeper in summer heat; bigger lures + faster troll to skip Kokanee. Krocodile spoons, Apex Hot Spot, Tomic/Lyman plugs, bucktails .
- Harvest push: the Kootenay Lake Angler Incentive Program rewards harvesting rainbow/bull trout (turn in heads → prize draw) to relieve predation on kokanee .
Regulations (Region 4, 2025–2027)
- Kootenay Lake Main Body: rainbow daily 10 (any size); Conservation Surcharge Stamp required to keep one over 50 cm; annual 20. Upper West Arm rainbow C&R Jan 1–May 31.
Forage
- Lives on Baitfish & Fry — primarily Kokanee fry; match lure size to the fry year-class.
Open questions
- Any realistic fly approach (estuary/shoulder season)?
- Peak months from the south/Creston end of the lake.
Related
- Kootenay Lake — where they live.
- Kokanee — their forage base.
Where next
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